About IGWS

Who we are

The Institute for Grape and Wine Sciences (IGWS) is a joint venture between the wine and table grape industries and Stellenbosch University (SU). The objectives of the IGWS include the establishment of world-class training in viticulture and oenology, enhancing research relevant to our local industry, as well as technology transfer to the wine and table grape industries. The initial focus will be on the improvement of infrastructure, especially experimental (training) cellars for students, as well as the purchase of state-of-the-art research equipment.

The IGWS also focusses extensively on technology transfer. Existing as well as new information is communicated to the industry using various platforms: website, seminars, workshops, information sheets, e-mails as well as social media. The purpose of the technology transfer is to increase the basic knowledge of people already working in the industry, thereby significantly improving the quality of South African viticulture and winemaking and our competitiveness in the international market. In addition to transferring information to the industry, information will also be gathered from the industry (needs assessment) on a continuous basis through liaising with study groups, associations and individuals.

The IGWS will also offer commercial services to the wine industry, and one such platform that has already been established is the sensory laboratory with Jeanne Brand as coordinator. The sensory lab offers various types of sensory analyses, depending on what the client prefers or can afford. The sensory lab can also offer screening of judging panel members for their sensitivities to wine faults such as cork taint, volatile acidity and Brettanomyces. As a result, judges can "know their status" and inform panel leaders before judging commences. The lab can also provide sensory training to individuals involved in important winemaking/marketing decisions.

Currently the IGWS is funded by private companies: the Reinet Foundation, VinPro and Sanlam.

The People

The IGWS board

Marius Lambrechts - SALBA (chairman)

Danie Brink - Stellenbosch University (deputy chairman)

Gerard Martin - IGWS director

Eugene Cloete, Maret du Toit - Stellenbosch University

Gary Baumgarten - representative of private cellars

Anton Smuts - Vinpro

Willem Bestbier - SATI

Bongani Ndimba - ARC

Positions funded full time or part time by the IGWS

IGWS Personel

Director - Gerard Martin

Administrative Officer - Ronel Sperling

Data Analyst - Stevie Krynauw

Liaison Officer for Internship Programme - Anne Alessandri

Viticulture platform:

Platform Coordinator - Prof Melané Vivier

Viticultural Lab Manager - Anke Berry

Viticulture Technician - Leonard Adams

Viticulture Technician - Dr Hans Eyeghe-Bickong

Oenology Platform:

Platform Coordinator - Prof Wessel du Toit

Oenology Technician - Alex Schulze

Sensory Platform:

Platform Coordinator: Jeanne Brand

Sensory Technician: Valeria Panzeri

Sensory Technician: Olwethu Fana

Sensory Technician: Wandisa Maxiti

Technology Transfer (Extension) Platform:

Oenology Platform Coordinator - Karien O'Kennedy

Viticulture Platform Coordinator - Conrad Schutte

Viticulture Technology Transfer - Lucinda Heyns

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Institute for Grape and Wine Sciences, Department of Viticulture and Oenology, Stellenbosch University.